Balikpapan – Her interest in numbers did not confine Risqi’a Shauma Salsabiillia to calculations alone. A graduate of the Actuarial Science Study Program, Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI), Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), Risqi’a filled her university years with a wide range of experiences, from student organizations and communication activities to design, a Bank Indonesia scholarship, and an internship in the financial sector.

Risqi’a completed her studies in eight semesters with a GPA of 3.88 and graduated with honors. This achievement also made her the highest-GPA graduate at both the institute and Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI) levels.

Actuarial Science: Connecting Mathematics with Risk and Finance

For Risqi’a, Actuarial Science can simply be understood as a field that applies mathematics to issues related to insurance, risk, and finance. Throughout her studies, she learned how mathematical approaches can be used to analyze uncertainty and support decision-making.

Her university experience, however, was not limited to academics. Risqi’a was also active in the ASA ITK Student Association, particularly in public relations and media. She further developed her communication experience through SRE, where she was involved in public relations and communication activities.

Her interest in communication had grown from an early age. Risqi’a has long enjoyed design and colors, and this interest found a place during her university years through content creation, publications, and involvement in ITK’s anniversary activities.

Bank Indonesia Scholarship Recipient and GenBI Member

In addition to her organizational activities, Risqi’a was also a recipient of the Bank Indonesia Scholarship and became part of Generasi Baru Indonesia (GenBI).

For her, academic and non-academic experiences complement each other. Classroom learning strengthened her analytical skills, while organizational activities helped her develop communication, creativity, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.

Learning by Doing at Pertamina Patra Niaga

Risqi’a’s professional experience expanded further when she completed an internship at Pertamina Patra Niaga Finance Kalimantan.

Assigned to the finance division, she gained practical experience related to asset management and other financial activities within the company. Through this internship, Risqi’a realized that real-world professional situations do not always mirror the theories learned in the classroom.

For her, the internship became a valuable opportunity to understand concepts through direct practice.

“Theory and practice can be very different. During my internship, I learned a lot through learning by doing, so I had to be willing to try, adapt quickly, and understand the tasks assigned to me.”

The experience further strengthened her interest in pursuing a career related to her academic background, particularly in actuarial science, data science, or data analysis.

No Need to Choose Between Numbers and Creativity

Risqi’a’s journey shows that students do not need to limit themselves to just one field. On one hand, she developed expertise in mathematics, risk, and finance through Actuarial Science. On the other, she continued to explore her interest in design, communication, and content creation.

Now, after completing her studies as the highest-GPA graduate at both the institute and faculty levels, Risqi’a plans to enter the workforce first while continuing to strengthen the competencies she developed during university.

For Risqi’a, her student experience proved that academic achievement can go hand in hand with organizational involvement and personal development. Learning does not only happen in the classroom, but also through the courage to try, get involved, and face new experiences directly.